Phillies Face Catching Dilemma with Realmuto’s Declining Power
The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason narrative is likely to revolve around the fate of Kyle Schwarber. While fans anxiously await his decision, the front office has other pressing matters to address, with J.T. Realmuto’s future hanging in the balance. Realmuto has solidified his status as an above-average catcher throughout his career, particularly excelling in defensive capabilities. Yet, as free agency approaches, the question remains: what’s next for the veteran backstop?
Realmuto’s Defensive Legacy
In his prime, Realmuto was one of the premier catchers in the league, showcasing a blend of defensive prowess and offensive capability that few could match. However, recent seasons have seen a noticeable decline in his offensive output. While he has historically provided above-average offensive numbers for a catcher, inconsistencies have emerged in the past few years, raising concerns about his future contributions.
The Phillies face a pivotal decision regarding Realmuto, especially given the lack of viable replacements on the market. The team must weigh the potential cost of retaining him against the scarcity of free-agent catchers capable of replicating his defensive skills. This aspect is critical when considering his value to the team.
Age and Performance Metrics
Jim Bowden of The Athletic notes that although Realmuto was awarded both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in 2022, he has been experiencing a downward trend since then. His power numbers have significantly dipped, with home runs dropping from 20 in 2023 to 14 in 2024, and now just seven this season. Despite these struggles, Realmuto remains effective in certain areas, ranking in the top percentile for pop time and caught stealing above average.
His framing and blocking abilities have come under scrutiny, rated as below average. However, his game-calling skills remain highly regarded, and pitchers continue to express their confidence in throwing to him. This combination of skills adds complexity to the decision-making process for the Phillies.
Market Value Considerations
Despite Realmuto’s achievements behind the plate, Spotrac forecasts a modest market value of approximately $13.7 million over two seasons, translating to an average annual value of about $6.8 million. If Realmuto is open to such a contract with the Phillies, the organization would be wise to consider keeping him in the fold.
The situation presents a dilemma: while Realmuto’s declining power numbers and age may diminish his market appeal, his overall contributions to the team’s success cannot be overlooked. As the offseason unfolds, the Phillies must navigate these complexities to ensure they make the best decision for both Realmuto and the team’s future.
